What does it really take to succeed? How do strengths like grit and self-control work together with our situation?
When I spoke with Dr. Angela Duckworth, we explored these questions, reflecting on her groundbreaking work on grit and resilience as well as her continued work on success.
Since her viral TED Talk in 2013 and her instant New York Times Bestseller Grit, Angela has inspired millions by emphasizing the power of perseverance and passion over innate talent. Yet, as we discussed, she’s been adding new layers to complete the story of achievement—especially the role of our situation in supporting or challenging our resilience.
For the full interview, listen to our Evolving with Gratitude podcast episode, embedded in this article (above) and also available on your favorite podcast platform.
Grit vs. Talent: The Core Message Remains Strong
Reflecting on her journey with Grit, Angela told me, “I wouldn’t change a word.” She goes on to share, “if you really stick to something, and if you really embrace the idea that you can practice and get better and that with feedback and mistakes and even setbacks that you can progress, you will go much farther than you might think, given whatever you imagine your initial level of talent is.” This message is empowering and as relevant as ever, but Angela also recognizes that grit alone doesn’t tell the whole story.
“You can put a really gritty person in a really not great situation and that person’s grit will not have an opportunity to shine,” Angela explained. This insight acknowledges the power of grit while recognizing that even the most resilient individuals need environments that align with and support their efforts. Angela’s recent work emphasizes “situational agency”—our ability to intentionally shape our circumstance to support our goals.
You can put a really gritty person in a really not great situation and that person’s grit will not have an opportunity to shine.
—Angela Duckworth
The Power of Situational Agency: Where Grit Meets Circumstance
Angela shared a powerful metaphor for the interaction between grit and circumstance: “The person and the situation come together like a chemical reaction…If you ever made one of those little volcanoes with baking soda and vinegar, and a little food coloring in there, and all of a sudden you’ve got fake lava coming up—the baking soda alone does not create bubbles, the vinegar alone doesn’t create bubbles, but together, they do.” It’s the fusion of personal strengths and supportive environments that truly drives success.
The person and the situation come together like a chemical reaction.
—Angela Duckworth
She pointed to the lesser-known work of psychologist Roger Barker, who studied the power of the situation. Barker found that environments shape our behaviors in ways we may not even realize. “When you’re in the supermarket, you behave supermarket; when you’re at church, you behave church,” Angela explained. Recognizing this influence allows us to be proactive, adjusting our situations to support our long-term goals rather than leaving our success to grit alone.
Practical Applications: Situational Self-Control in Action
In line with her evolving perspective, Angela promotes “situational self-control,” a way of setting up our environment to make it easier to achieve our goals. “If you’re going to keep your phone right there and just will yourself not to look at it, that’s going to be harder,” she explained. Instead, she recommends arranging physical or digital spaces to help us follow through on our intentions with less effort.
One technique Angela uses herself is an app which creates a delay before opening specific apps. “It forces me to pause and breathe, asking, ‘Do you really want to go on this?’ That moment of intentionality is powerful.” By adding a small speed bump, we can build situational self-control into our daily routines, helping us stay aligned with our goals.
The Role of Mentorship: A Powerful External Influence
Our conversation also touched on another crucial aspect of situational agency: mentorship. “Mentors are a factor that is not inside you. It’s not your mindset or your internal attitude. And if I could point out one thing in my life that has really made the biggest difference, it is that I have had a series of mentors who taught me what I know and who have encouraged me when I lacked confidence.” Angela shared, crediting figures like her mentor Marty Seligman for nurturing her growth. A mentor, as Angela sees it, doesn’t have to be a lifelong guide. “A mentor is anyone who has something to teach you,” she explained, urging us to view mentorship as an accessible, dynamic resource.
A mentor is anyone who has something to teach you.
—Angela Duckworth
Angela encourages a flexible approach, describing mentors as guides “for a moment, a season, or a lifetime.” Whether short-term or long-term, these relationships enrich our lives by providing support and wisdom that might otherwise take years to acquire.
Call to Action
Angela left us with a message that reflects her work and wisdom in understanding achievement: “Grit is great, and I believe in it, but grit alone isn’t enough.” Success, she emphasized, requires not only cultivating personal resilience but also being intentional about the situations we engage with. It’s a powerful reminder that while grit is essential, our journey is shaped by the people we connect with and the strategies we use to navigate our circumstances. So, let’s take a moment to reflect: What small changes can we make today to turn our situation into an ally? And who can we reach out to for mentorship or support?
In gratitude,
Lainie
Connect with and learn from Angela Duckworth:
Website: AngelaDuckworth.com
Book: Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance
